Generation Y cannot possibly understand the significance of ANZAC Day – this is a statement I have heard a number of times in recent years. It is normally followed by; the day has become too commercialised and it is just another excuse for people to get drunk and rowdy like on Australia Day.
As a Gen Y-er, I must say that for some of us this is true. However, for me and my family, it is something very different entirely.
I never met my grandad, Victor Harold Law. He fought in North Africa in World War II in the 2/6th Australian Field Regiment and was one of the men that returned home. He met and married Ruth Bell Sackett who gave birth to their two sons, Stuart and my dad, John. Vic died when my dad was 19 and Stuart was only 16.
Growing up I never knew Vic’s birthday or the date that he died, I just knew that ANZAC Day was the day we got up early, sat on picnic blankets outside McDonalds on George Street, Sydney and waved at the little old men and women that marched. My sisters and I would smile and wave our Australian flags at them while trying to get in front of the ABC camera crews as the little old ladies threw Minties at us. It was, and remains to be, the most emotional day of the year for my dad. It has always been the day that he honours his father, what he did for his family and indeed his country.
When I met my husband, I was lucky enough to spend two wonderful years getting to know his Grandpa, Thomas Wood Young, before he died. Tom was without a doubt one of the most wonderful people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
A fighter pilot in the 232 Hurricane Squadron during World War II, Tom spent three and a half years as a Prisoner of War on the Burma Siam Railway. He used to tell me about his time there, including the day he had a bayonet raised to his temple and was almost executed. Surprisingly, he would talk about his time in the POW camp with a smirk on his face, Jules, did I ever tell you about the time I played cricket for Australia? We thrashed the English at the Hintok Prisoner of War camp. He would say with a chuckle. His spirit and his courage live on in every member of his family. What he did for them and their family has not been forgotten, and won’t be for many generations to come.
Top Comments
anzac day to me means nothing, wasn't really taught about it in school, no different to a public holiday ,sad but it was war , all murders sent by governments for their own reasons, i'd prefer a day that respects everyone, as innocent victims of bad government policy day.
hahahahahahahahahaah liers you all suck from Mr Trevenon